4R70W Interchange

6 GEARS October/November 2008

4R70W Interchange

Figure 1

When I first started building, one of the hardest things to overcome wasn’t

the difficulty of remembering where all the parts go or fumbling with snap rings. Those hurdles were easy to over-come after rebuilding a few units.

The times that make this industry hard are when a unit you rebuilt comes back under warranty. It’s worse than getting denied a date when you see your name on top of a transmission in a car that you remember from not too long ago. Was it the parts or technique? Or was it the $%#(@! R&R guy?

Well to make sure it wasn’t the parts, I changed everything. And if my new part didn’t look exactly like the old one, I crossed my arms and said, “No way, José!”

As time and transmissions stacked up on my resume, I learned that a part doesn’t always have to match exactly for it to work. I also learned that some-times it does, so never assume those extra holes are just to make the part lighter. The approach that makes a rebuilder successful is to look at the part and see what it does. Follow the tracks, count the teeth, measure the heights

and widths, etc. Reverse engineer. Figure out interchangeability and your stock as a rebuilder will go up with the guy who signs your pay-checks.

Welcome to another edition of Playing with Fire. This month’s issue is going to cover the interchange do’s and don’ts between the 2004-2007 late 4R70E/75E and earlier 1993-2003 4R70W. When covering the inter-change, we’re going to go in the same order as if we were dismantling the unit, starting with the valve body and working our way down to the last bear-ing in the case.

4R70W 4R70W InterchangeInterchange

PLAYING PLAYING WITH FIREWITH FIRE

by Jon Rodriguez

SPEAKER

6jon4R70W.indd 6 10/1/08 10:37:48 AM

When Getting It Now Is A Must!Call the Used Parts Inventory Specialists

SE HABLA ESPANOL

EVT Specials • While Supplies Last

Filters Application Price604 88-03 (#72776) $ 2.50700 82-92 (#61710) $ 2.50

Bands (New)700 82-96 (#61700) $ 5.00C3/A4LD 74-up (#27320H) $ 4.00

Hard Parts (Used)RE4R01A Planet ass. 87-99 $50.00AODE Pump sta. 93-02 $20.00A518 Dir. Drum (3cl.) $10.005R55E O/D Planet 95-02 $20.00JR403E Pump Body $20.004T60E 2nd Cl. Housing $10.00

Toll Free: 866-388-7278Local: 323-758-1302

1155 N. McKinley Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90059 Tel: 866-EVT-Parts (388-7278) Fax: 323-758-9999

Don't Miss Our Special Pricing • Good While Supplies Last

We offer a wide variety of hard parts, soft parts, and converters to the automotive industry, attested by over 48 years of quality customer relations and service in the distribution of automatic transmission parts.

Established since 1959, we have proudly served the Southern California region, and now the whole United States of Americaand beyond.

Vince Hall Eloise Hall Walter Quintanilla Rosaura Gomez

Vince Hall Proprietor ATRA Member for over 35 years.

Hard Parts • Soft Parts • ConvertersWe Are The Real Transmission People!

Please see us at:

Booth# 400


4R70W Interchange

ElectronicsElectronicsUse the diagrams (figure 1) to

make sure you have the correct con-nector for your application. The shift solenoids, TCC solenoid, and wiring harness are the same from 1998-on, and if they plug into the harness, they’re the correct ones.

The most important change is the EPC solenoid. The EPC solenoid from 1998-2004 (XL3Z-7G383 AB) and the solenoid from 2005-07 (5C2Z-7G383 AB) have the exact same resistance (2.48-5.66 ohms) and connection. The difference is the internal design that was changed to accommodate the dif-

ferent frequency that the PCM uses to signal the solenoid.

Using an early solenoid in a late application will cause low line pressure rise at light to medium throttle, and excessive line pressure at heavy throt-tle. Using a late solenoid in an early application will create high line pres-sure at light to medium throttle and low pressure at heavy throttle. The best way to be sure you have the correct solenoid is to check the part number.

Valve BodyValve BodyFor the sake of interchange, we’re

going to make this easy. As long as the

valve body, separator plate, and gaskets match, all valve bodies from 1996-2007 will interchange. In 2000, Ford elimi-nated the 2-3 capacity modulator valve lineup and the 2-3 accumulator plate (figure 2).

Using an earlier, complete valve body on a late application won’t affect performance or durability. In some cases, where the 2-3 accumulator spring cover damages the unprotected plate on the 2000-and-up valve bodies, you can improve durability by using a 1996-1999 valve body with the accumula-tor plate, to help protect the separator plate.

Figure 2

6jon4R70W.indd 8 10/1/08 10:38:32 AM

Over 72 MillionServed!

A Division of Freudenberg-NOK

We’ve come a long way since our humble beginning in 1978. TransTec® transmission kits have grown to become the leading brand requested by transmission professionals. In fact, we’ve sold over 72,000,000 TransTec®

kits since 1978!

Why is it more transmission professionals install TransTec® kits than all other kits combined? TransTec® kits are produced by Corteco, a division of Freudenberg-NOK®,the American partnership with more than $6 billion in resources. Manufactured to meet the strictest OE standards, TransTec®

kits contribute to a faster rebuild with virtually no comebacks.

We’d like to thank our customers, representa-tives, suppliers and associates for their faith-fulness and support throughout the past 30 years. These years have been very good to us. We can’t wait to see what the future holds.

TransTec®kits, not McDonald’s® burgers.

See us at Powertrain Expo Booth #501


4R70W Interchange

The 1993-1995 valve bodies aren’t interchangeable with the later versions because the alignment pins are a dif-ferent size. But there are aftermarket adapters available to make late valve bodies fit earlier cases. Ask your local parts supplier about availability.

Pump BodyPump BodyPump bodies are identical except

for the intermediate piston design. The 4R70E/75E uses a bonded rubber piston and wave-style piston return spring (figure 3). The wave-style spring requires a seat that sits in the case so the wave spring doesn’t eat into the alumi-num. Use figure 4 to reference proper installation.

The two different designs can be interchanged as a complete set without causing any problems. Never attempt to interchange intermediate pistons or springs. If you use a 4R75E pump in an early 4R70W, always install the wave spring retainer into the early case or it’ll damage the case.

Stator SupportStator SupportThe stator supports are identical in

hydraulic design, but there’s an impor-tant difference in the forward seal-ing ring lands. The 4R70E/75E uses a plastic ring that’s much thinner than the 4R70W cast iron design (figure 5). The outer dimensions of the two rings are identical, so as long as you use the correct rings for the stator support, you can interchange them freely. Figure 6 shows the differences in the ring lands.

The other difference is the for-ward clutch apply hole: Ford changed the machining process for the forward

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 5

Figure 4Figure 3

6jon4R70W.indd 10 10/1/08 10:53:54 AM

raybestos pldc1008.indd 11 10/3/08 1:29:43 PM


4R70W Interchange

clutch apply hole and turned it into a slot instead of a round hole. This is strictly cosmetic and will have no effect on for-ward clutch apply.

IntermediateIntermediate Mechanical Diode Mechanical DiodeIn 2007, Ford introduced a new design mechanical

diode: They increased the number of ratchet teeth in the diode and changed the assembly process. The new diode has a snap ring that holds the element retainer in place instead of the earlier pressed design (figure 7).

The height dimensions have changed slightly where the snap ring rides on the reverse input drum. The new design diode supersedes the previous design, and when used on any diode-style drum, will increase the clearance between the inner race and the snap ring by about 0.020”. We recommend using an aftermarket-designed spiral snap ring in place of the stock snap ring to prevent snap ring failure.

Reverse Input/OD DrumReverse Input/OD DrumNo changes made; these drums are fully interchangeable.

Forward DrumForward DrumThe 2004-and-up forward drum has three apply holes,

120º apart, verses the earlier version having only one (figure 8). This design change is cosmetic and won’t affect forward

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 8

6jon4R70W.indd 12 10/1/08 10:39:35 AM

GEARS October/November 2008 13

clutch apply if interchanged.

Forward Clutch HubNo changes made; these hubs are

fully interchangeable.

Sun ShellThere have been some big changes

to the sun shell (figure 9). First, they designed it to be a lot stronger; the metal is thicker and the new design is riveted. Thanks to these changes, there shouldn’t be any more problems with the sun shells breaking.

The height from the bottom of the sun gear to the bearing surface has been reduced by 0.030” to make room for the thicker, two-piece bearing (fig-ure 10). You’ll need to replace the sun shell, bearing and forward sun gear as a set when updating to the newer parts in a 4R70W, to keep the endplay cor-rect. Ford sells this complete service kit under part number 4L3Z-7D234-AA.

Figure 12

In These Uncer tain Times

It ’s Good to Know you can

st i l l Count on Slauson

No corporate mergers, no f lashy gimmicks.

Just the highest quality par ts at a reasonable

price.

Used, New & Rebuil t Hard Par ts

Sof t Par ts

E lectrical Components

Flywheels

Order online at Slauson.com

Of fering qual i ty products from these f ine vendors :

Phone Hours:

Now there’s no faster way to get transmission repair solutions.

www.transmissionkits.com

Introducing Precision International’s new, totally redesigned website with informative video seminars!

The Problem Solvers.

John Parmenter

14 Todd Court Extension, Yaphank, NY 11980 (631) 567-2000 • Fax (631) 567-2640 • Toll Free: 800-872-6649 Florida Office: 6790 Hillsdale Point, Boynton Beach, FL 33437(561) 734-2332 • Fax (561) 734-2375E-mail: [email protected] www.transmissionkits.com


4R70W Interchange

The single most important change with the 4R70E/75E sun shell is some-thing you can’t see, but will prevent the transmission from leaving your shop: The 4R70E/75E sun shell is non-mag-netic. For the input speed sensor used in today’s 4R70E/75E transmissions to work, the sun shell must be non-mag-netic. This allows the sensor to create the signal from the stamping on the forward drum. Using a magnetic sun shell in later units will cause harsh or no shifts, with possible ratio and input speed sensor codes.

Sun GearSun GearFord shortened the length of the

sun gear by 0.010” to make room for the thicker, two-piece bearing. 0.010” may not seem like a big difference, but it’s enough to affect your endplay. The easiest way to identify the late gear is the ID groove at the splined part of the gear (figure 11). Just like the sun shell, you can only use the newer sun gear in early units as a set that includes the sun shell, bearing and sun gear. Ford sells this complete service kit under part number 4L3Z-7D234-AA.

Center SupportCenter SupportTo make room for the input speed

sensor, the 4R70E/75E center support has an extra notch cut out (figure 12). If you install a 4R70W support in a 4R70E/75E case, the input speed sensor won’t fit all the way into the case.

If you’re in a pinch, you can grind a notch into a 4R70W support to make room for the sensor.

Anti-Rattle SpringAnti-Rattle SpringFinally, Ford has come up with

a better design anti-rattle spring. The updated spring is a V-shaped strip of spring steel that won’t eat into the case or center support (figure 13). This spring will retrofit all the way to the AOD and is a great way to save severe-ly worn cases. The part number for the updated spring is 2L3Z-7F277-AA.

Low Roller ClutchLow Roller ClutchThe low roller clutch is the proven

design that Ford has used since the AOD. No changes were made and the roller is still the same as the one used in a Turbo 400 low roller clutch.

Planetary Planetary The planetary gear sets in both

units have the same ratio and dimen-sions. The only difference is how the rear cover is attached: The 4R70E/75E uses a welded design; older versions use rivets to connect the bottom cover to the top of the gear set (figure 14). That area never had any real issue; the change is strictly to make manufactur-

ing easier. Interchange between years won’t pose a problem.

Direct Drum and HubDirect Drum and HubNo changes made; the direct drum

and hub are fully interchangeable.

Ring GearRing GearA new design output speed sensor

was incorporated for the 2004 model

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

6jon4R70W.indd 16 10/1/08 10:49:39 AM

WHAT DO YOU GET? You’ll get the tools you need to work with your customers. Tech support, management training, technical training, event discounts, product discounts, and peace of mind getting vehicles fixed FAST and RIGHT.You’ll be able to find out how to...

Get ‘em in the Door • Nationwide Warranty Program • Certification Designation • Radio Spots • Commercials for Your Use • Professional Website Design

Get ‘em out the Door • Technical HotLine • ATRA’s Powertrain Expo • Technical Seminars • ATRA’s Online Tech Center • Testing & Certification • GEARS Magazine • Technical Training

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? For the cost of approximately one hour of your labor, you can have ATRA Membership to bail you out of difficult technical challenges 24/7.

What’s more, there are no contracts or long term requirements for joining.

HOW TO JOIN? Call (805) 604-2000 or download application online at www.atraonline.com

Make the decision today to belong to the only professional association dedicated exclusively to the transmission and

powertrain industry.

When you join by July 31st, you are eligible to win up to one year free membership by entering our video contest.

See page 51 for details.

866-GO-4-ATRA • 866-464-2872(805) 604-2000

www.atraonline.com

Apply for ATRA Membership TODAY!

ATRA has what you need!

Whether you need to reach more people and turn them into customers, improve turnaround time, or establish better business practices, you can rely on ATRA.

powertrain industry.


4R70W Interchange

year (figure 15). The new sensor uses the 24 extended parking pawl lugs for the exciter ring; the old sensor used the six holes machined around the ring gear (figure 16).

Mismatching an early ring gear in a late transmission will reduce the output speed sensor signal by 75%, so the trans-mission won’t shift out of first gear. Using a late ring gear in an early transmission will produce an output speed signal 400% faster, so the transmission will shift into fourth gear by the time you hit 10 MPH. No interchange possible.

Rear Hub and ShaftRear Hub and ShaftThe output shafts and rear hubs are fully interchangeable.

The only difference is the speedometer drive gear that’s machined into the shaft. A late shaft with-out a gear won’t work in early applications with a vehicle speed sensor.

BearingsBearingsThe new case-to-rear hub and front hub-

to-sun shell bearings are wider (figure 17), but height has remained the same. The sun gear-to-sun shell bearing has changed from one piece to a two pieces (figure 18), and the combined thickness of both pieces has increased by 0.040”. If you want to use the later bearing in earlier models, you’ll also have to use the late-style sun shell and sun gear. Ford sells a complete service kit under part number 4L3Z-7D234-AA. All other bearings and the pump washer have

remained the same.That about covers it: I hope this edition of Playing with

Fire covered any questions you may have had on interchanges between these units. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, drop us a line and we’ll be happy to answer your ques-tions.

Until then, remember: Pay attention to the design of the part in question when working with interchanges, and chances are good you won’t get burned when Playing with Fire!

A special thanks to Roger Rodriguez at Payless Transmissions in Fresno for his help with this article.

Figure 16

Trany CoatTrany CoatAvailable in Aluminum or Cast Iron Finish

“Refinish your rebuilt transmissions! “Refinish your rebuilt transmissions! “Refinish your rebuilt transmissions! Don’t just paint them!”Don’t just paint them!”Don’t just paint them!”

Make your rebuilds look new using G-TEC’s environmentally-formulated coatings that apply like spray paint, but won’t trap heat in the transmission or torque converter like enamel and epoxy paints do. This allows positive heat transfer, prolonging the life of the rebuild. Trany Coat covers blemishes, and won’t smudge or dissolve on contact with ATF. Refinish your transmission cases, transfer cases, and torque converters. Trany Coat is VOC compliant and available in 16 oz. aerosol cans.

®

AluminumAluminum Cast IronCast Iron

www.g-tec.com � [email protected]

800.725.6499 � 417.725.6400

See Us in Booth 926 at ATRA & 5853 at APEX.

6jon4R70W.indd 18 10/2/08 4:01:22 PM

GEARS October/November 2008 19

Figure 18Figure 17

6jon4R70W.indd 19 10/1/08 10:41:29 AM

4R70W Interchange

Entertainment & Humor

Transcript of 4R70W Interchange